I received a Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel lawn mower from Fiskars to review. I really wanted to try out one of these push mowers because I have already tried 3 other brands and, after some testing, returned all of them because they were not worth the investment. I know Fiskars quilting products are excellent so I was hopeful about the mower as well.

I expect a good push mower to be quiet, easy to use, and do a really good job cutting the grass. Here’s what I found:

Assembly

I admit I was hesitant to even open the box when I saw that the mower required some assembly but my procrastination was unwarranted: it was fast and easy. You just have to put the handles together and that’s it. The rest of the lawn mower is ready to go. Phew!

Lawnmower Choices

At our previous home, the yard was small and I was able to replace all of the grass with perennial beds. The yard at our current home is much bigger (1/2 acre+) so removing the grass would be a huge task and a lot of ongoing work.

But having grass lawn does not have to be bad for the environment. In my case, I never water it, allowing it to go dormant during droughts, never use any fertilizers or harmful chemicals (herbicides etc.), so I also want a method of cutting the grass that has the lowest impact on the environment.

• Electric or Battery Mower – I have always used an electric mower but it’s annoying to deal with the cord tangling and electrical outlets.
• Gas Mower – I would never use a gas mower. I loathe the noise and air pollution and don’t want to have buy gasoline and store it. 
• Push Mower – This seems like the best long-term choice as long as the machine is easy to use, stays sharp, and does a good job.

The Grass Lawn

I have just over 1/2 acre of grass and gardens. It’s lumpy (uneven) and has proven a challenge to cut with my old electric mower because I had to manoeuvre the cord around a lot of obstacles (various garden beds and garden art).

The Cutting Test

I’ve used the Fiskars StaySharp Max several times now and I really love it. I thought my uneven lawn might be a problem but it does just fine.

Here’s What I Like About It

• It’s so quiet! You know how annoying it is when you go to spend time outside and your neighbour starts up their stinky, noisy mower? Well, I can’t control the neighbours but I like it that I’ll never be that annoyance now. It’s so quiet I can listen to podcasts on my iPod while mowing.
• It’s faster to cut the grass because I don’t have to stop to move the electric cord (or add gasoline).
• You can adjust both the handle and grass cutting height.
• It has the look and feel of a really good quality machine. I consider something like this a long-term investment and, if what others are telling me is true, I can expect to run this machine for many years to come.

Here’s What’s Different

• Unlike a gas or electric mower that keeps cutting when the power is on, push lawn mowers require movement to cut—the faster you push it, the faster the cutting blades turn. It took a bit of getting used to (everyone has their own grass cutting style), but I soon came up with my own cutting plan that allows me to cut fast, long strips of grass all at once. (I sure don’t miss the electric extension cord!)
• Push mowers don’t cut the grass when you’re moving backwards, only forward. It’s not a big deal but again requires a new approach to cutting the grass.
• A push mower requires a little more upper arm strength for pushing than an electric (and, I presume, a gas) mower.

Summary

• Very good quality push lawn mower.
• Quiet and easy to handle although it does take a little extra strength to push it than my electric mower did. Personally, I’m happy to have the exercise.
• Does an excellent job cutting the grass – the lawn looks just the same as it did with my electric mower.
• Best for grass less than 5″ deep.
• Excellent investment.
• At the risk of sounding like a complete nerd, I love using it. It’s so quiet, efficient, and gentle on the environment. The novelty may wear off but for now I actually look forward to each time the grass needs cutting.
  

See the Fiskars Staysharp Max reel lawnmower on Amazon.

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I found 18 old windows on the roadside last summer and I’ve been debating what to do with them ever since. One idea is to make a little greenhouse, but practically speaking, each of the windows is a different size (making construction tricky) and old windows don’t really insulate well—it would be more garden art than a practical item. I do love the idea of hanging a bunch of faux stained glass windows around our covered patio. We’ll see!

These windows were created by Saywhatagnes at gardenweb.com. It appears Agnes has not been active on the forums there for several years and does not seem to have a blog. If you ever come across more of her work, please let me know so I can link directly to her own pages.

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Preparing Old Windows and Frames

• If you are using old windows, check for lead paint and find out how to remove it or seal it safely.
• Also decide whether you want to repair the window to improve its appearance and durability by replacing old caulking and any broken glass panes.
• Cracks can be filled with DAP plastic wood filler. Once dry, this product behaves like wood and can be sanded and painted.
• Prime and paint the frame as desired. Apply outdoor polyurethane as needed.
• Plan ahead to decide how you will securely hang the window to display it. Some options include large eye hooks and chains or wire.

How To Make Faux Stained Glass Windows

Materials

• Old window or picture frames
• Stained glass pieces, flat-bottom marbles, beads, florist glass/gems
• GE Silicone II sealant (waterproof, outdoor, clear drying)
• Caulking gun (for silicone)
• Old toothbrush (for stippling the silicone)
• Painters tape for protecting painted surface of window or picture frame
• Wheeled glass nippers and/or tile nippers (if using pieces of stained glass)
• Closed hook eyes and wire or chain for hanging.

Design and Assembly

• Plan your design and cut any stained glass pieces as needed.
• Work in small sections, applying silicone sealant, stippling it with an old toothbrush, then applying the decorative glass /marbles/beads. You’ll see as you’re working what thickness of silicone works best for the thickness and weight of the decorative glass pieces you are applying.
• The silicone sealant acts as both an adhesive and becomes the opaque background for the window.
• Allow to dry (follow instructions on silicone sealant label) and hang to display.

More Free Projects With Glass Marbles

• Decorative Garden Balls
• Frog Prince
• Garden Treasure Jars

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Come join Empress of Dirt on Facebook for daily inspirations and conversations. Or follow me on Pinterest.

Here’s the most popular items shared this week. I’ve provided the Pinterest pins so you can click through and see the source websites:

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Here’s A Whole Bunch Of DIY Garden Projects You Can Make Without Using Any Power Tools

I have nothing against power tools but sometimes you either don’t have them or just don’t want to use them during an afternoon of crafting or art-making. I happen to live next to a daycare, so randomly operating noisy machinery is not really condusive to happy neighbours and wee folk.

See each of the project pages for the supplies needed:

1. Using Mirrors In The Garden

With proper planning and care, you can safely add mirrors to a garden for interesting effects.

2. DIY Garden Treasure Jars

These garden treasure jars make use of old food jars and flat-bottom marbles. Pick your favourite colours and make them as gifts or add them to your own garden.

3. Make A Dragonfly

This favourite garden art project uses the blades from old ceiling fans plus a table leg and few other kitchen items.

4. Decorative Garden Balls

This is a new version of the classic garden gazing ball. With a bowling ball or old lamp globe, there’s lots of options for making something unique.

5. Tipsy Pots

Tipsy pots are very popular these days. Make them with whatever old pots or containers you can find and fill them with favourite spilling annuals.

6. Repurposed Garden Chandelier

Make it as sophisticated or shabby chic as you like—I made this one with an old kitchen colander and some leftover lamp crystals.

7. Glassware Garden Totems And Birdbaths

Collect favourite used glassware in whatever colours you like. Use the right adhesive and these totems and birdbaths will last outside for years.

8. Make A Frog Prince

The frog prince is a variation of the decorative garden ball. Green marbles, arms, legs, a face, and crown and he’s ready for the garden.

9. DIY Mushroom And Toadstools

There are several ways to make garden mushrooms and toadstools. You can use glassware, metal, or wooden bowls, and paint them or leave them as they are.

10. Stencil Your Garden Gear

My wheelbarrow and lawnmower were both getting rusty so I decided not only to paint them with rust protector but to stencil them as well.

11. Make A Stone Birdhouse

This has been a very popular project since I first posted it a few years ago. There’s lots of options for the birdhouse structure as well as the way you decorate it with stones and more.

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Photo Sources and Resources

These are some favourite tin can flowers found online. If you simply want to buy something like this, check out the shops below. If you want to make your own, some of the sources listed have instructions, and you can certainly get inspiration from all of them.
1. Marilyn (Flowers12) – gardenweb.com See more images of beer can flowers on this discussion thread.
2. Custom Created Etsy Shop “Decor designed with you in mind.”
3. karensimoni.blogspot.com Includes how-to information.
4. thecsiproject.com Soda can DIY hair clip tutorial.
5. seasons-heart.com Home furnishings and gifts – shop.
6. Custom Created Etsy Shop “Decor designed with you in mind.”
7. embellishedbayou.blogspot.com See more images of the flower.

Tips On How To Make Flowers From Tin Cans

Think of how many cans are thrown out each day! Some go to recycling but a lot still goes to landfill. All that metal going to waste. There are many things you can make from old cans including these garden art flowers.

• Pick cans that have thin (easy to cut) metal such as pop, soda, or beer cans.
• Tools: tin snips, protective work gloves, needle-nose pliers (for curling leaves/petals).
• Paint: spray paint or outdoor paint suitable for metals. This project is ideal for using up leftover paints.
• Layers: layer several tin can flowers together to give the effect of petals.
• Punch a hole through the center of the flower to attach flower to wood dowel (stem).

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 A Quick DIY Project Using Leftover Materials

I love stained-glass windows to I thought I’d try making a quick and easy version using some leftover beads and small picture frames. If you want to create something that really shines, the trick is to use translucent beads—ones that will allow light through to show off the beautiful colours.

If you decide to use a larger picture frame (or old window), you could also use pieces of stained glass, mosaic tiles or flat-bottom marbles. I have full instructions for larger faux stained-glass windows here.

Design Ideas: flowers, patterns, letters (words), house numbers… Or make a whole bunch of them with each one having its own theme or colour scheme. Smaller beads allow more intricate designs.

There is a supply list with full instructions at the bottom of this post.

I used silicone sealant to attach my beads because it has proven to be a very reliable adhesive. Make sure you pick a clear-drying one.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, try out some designs until you have something you like. You might want to photograph your favourites so you have something to refer to as you work.

Before attaching the beads, draw around the inner edge of the frame with a Sharpie to mark your work area. This line will tell you how much of the design will be visible.

Remove the glass from the frame and you’re ready to start attaching beads. Apply a thick layer of silicone sealant on the glass and spread it evenly with an old comb. How thick you want it depends on the size of your beads. I applied the silicone sealant approximately 1/8″ thick.  It dries fairly quickly (setting up within a half hour), so only apply it to a small area if you like to work slowly.

You can leave the silicone sealant visible between beads for an opaque background or apply background beads. I used some clear florist vase beads.

Allow to dry for several hours (read info on silicone sealant container). When dry, shake the glass to dislodge any loose beads. Place your masterpiece in the picture frame and display it.

 Supplies For Making Little Sparkling Windows

1. Beads, stained glass pieces, small mosaic tiles, flat-bottom marbles…
-Pick translucent items that the sun will shine through.
-The larger the picture frame or window, the larger the decorative pieces you can use.

2. Old picture frame or window with glass. You won’t need the picture frame backing.

3. Silicone sealant (waterproof, clear-drying) or other reliable adhesive that dries clear. You can get it in a squeeze tube or cartridge (which requires a caulking gun but is far more economical).

4. Old comb for spreading the sealant on the glass.

5. Read the label on your adhesive product and have appropriate clean up supplies ready.

Assembly

1. Gather your supplies
2. Test out designs until you find something you like. Photograph it for reference while you’re working.
3. Use a Sharpie marker to draw a line around the inner edge of the frame to mark your work area.
4. Apply silicone sealant to the glass. How thick you need it depends on how thick your beads or glass pieces are. You need it thick enough that they will be snugly secured in the sealant. I applied it about 1/8″ thick for my beads.
5. When all beads are applied, leave project to dry for amount of time recommended on the sealant label.
6. When completely dry, shake the glass to dislodge any loose beads.
7. Place in frame. If your frame doesn’t have clips, apply sealant around the edges at the back of the frame to hold the glass in place (and allow to dry).

There are many possible variations to this idea—follow your own creative muse and enjoy!

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Come join Empress of Dirt on Facebook for daily inspirations and conversations.

There’s lots more on the Empress of Dirt on Facebook. Come join us!

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Birdfeeders and birdbaths are a wonderful addition to any garden but they can also contribute to the spread of disease with many different birds gathering in one location. Some routine maintenance can greatly reduce this risk and promote better bird health.

The more active a birdfeeder is, the more often it needs to be cleaned and disinfected.

How To Wash and Disinfect A Birdfeeder

At lease twice a month (and more often if feeders are really active and/or some birds show signs of disease—weakness, unhealthy appearance):

1. Empty feeders and submerge in clean water. Use a gentle dish soap or detergent (unscented). Wear rubber gloves and use a baby bottle brush and/or toothbrushes to remove all debris both inside and outside the feeder.
2. Immerse feeder in 1 part bleach and 9 parts water.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Air dry.
5. Do not fill feeders until completely dry (or mold and mildew may form).

Birdbath Care

1. Add fresh water daily.
2. Regularly scrub and disinfect (same as above).
3. Remember, birdbaths should be shallow (less than 1″ of water)—not deep—and provide secure places for the birds to stand.

Hummingbird and Oriole Feeders

1. Nectar/sugar water is made by adding 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Bring mixture to boil for 1-2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Cool completely before filling feeders. Store leftover mixture in fridge. NEVER add honey or food colouring to the mixture. 
2. Change the nectar/sugar water frequently (every day or few days—more often in hot weather) and completely clean the feeder (inside and out) each time the nectar is changed. The Audubon Society recommends using 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water for washing hummingbird feeders followed by a thorough rinse with clean water.
3. Nectar should always appear clear, not cloudy.
4. If you have several hummingbirds, consider using several feeders, placed far apart, where they cannot see each other while feeding. This can help prevent dominance by aggressive males.

Cleaning Perches, Posts, Poles, Shepherds Hooks

1. Common metal and plastic rest/perching spots can also carry disease. Use rubber gloves and wash away any bird droppings. Disinfect with 1:9 bleach/water solution. Rinse thoroughly.

General Care

1. Remove birdseed debris daily. Old hulls and seeds can carry pathogens. Place them in the garbage, not the compost.
2. If feeders and birdbaths are crowded, consider adding additional stations, allowing greater distance between birds.
3. Provide a varied natural habitat including trees, shrubs, vines, and flowering plants to promote feeding and nesting. Many birds also like to perch nearby a feeder.
4. Avoid pesticides and herbicides. Whatever you add to your garden affects everything including insects and plants which are food sources for the birds.
5. Find a reliable birdseed supplier (local, independent can be great resources) and learn about the best seed choices.

Clean and disinfect your birdfeeders, birdbaths, and perching spots regularly to promote bird health.

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